Cape Town’s best beaches

Set against a backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the striking Lion’s Head, Camps Bay Beach features fine white sand and clear, turquoise waters – albeit too cold for swimming.

It’s a vibrant and trendy spot, both on the sand and off it, with a lively promenade just off the beach lined with cafes, restaurants, and bars that thrum with Capetonians. Even if you’re not a beach-goer, it’s a convivial place to hang out with the locals and experience what life is really like here – and the Camps Bay strip is the city’s prime spot for beachside sundowners.

Most visitors on the way to Cape Point stop off to see the heart-warming penguin colony at Boulders Beach – a 2,500-strong African Penguin breeding colony, one of the largest in the world. These charismatic critters that will charm adults and kids alike.

A number of operators also offer kayak tours to see the colony – without the crowds. Tours will take you past the breeding area and around to Boulders Beach.

Also stop by the adjoining boulder-strewn Seaforth Beach, which boasts picturesque, family-friendly coves where the penguins often swim freely with bathers in the sheltered water. In winter, there are also seals and whales. In summer, there’s snorkelling.

Muizenberg Beach, located on the False Bay coast, is famous for its colourful beach huts. It’s a hotspot for surfing due to its warmer waters, averaging between 15°C and 20°C, and gentle waves. This family-friendly beach offers a more relaxed vibe and is less crowded compared to the oh-so-trendy Atlantic beaches.

If you’re wanting an invigorating walk on a quiet, beautiful beach, with views to sooth the soul, you can’t do better than Bloubergstrand. This long stretch of white sand offers an iconic view of Table Mountain’s flat top to accompany you as you stroll. It’s windy though, with almost constant trade winds bringing a 1–3 m surf for a majority of the year – making it a popular spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Wondrous to walk all year round, but if you’re going in winter, be sure to wrap up warm.

Clifton’s four idyllic beaches, separated by oversized granite boulders, are famous for their sheltered, wind-free conditions and soft white sand. Being Atlantic beaches, however, they’re too cold for swimming. Each beach has its own character – the 1st for seclusion, the 2nd for sports, the 3rd for the young crowd, and the 4th for families – and each if guaranteed a welcoming, convivial atmosphere. Great for hanging out with the locals.

A secluded, picturesque beach nestled in a residential area. It features fine, white sand, and clear but cold water, and is surrounded by large granite boulders, offering a serene and natural setting. It’s a popular spot for sunbathing, picnicking, and beach sports.